6 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Washington State (2024)

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State has long and exciting winters. While the Washington snow season stretches nearly to two and a half months, winters are a little longer. However, no matter how much time the season comes for, winter recreations like Skiing and Snowboarding here reign supreme. The Ski resorts in Washington State receive great quality fluffy powdery snow. And when that gathers on different altitudes and challenging trails, the skiing experience here turns into a whole new level of excitement and adventure.

Washington State has about 10 to 14 excellent Ski resorts. While a lot of them are local, basic and affordable, the others are world-class, offering experiences similar to Vail, Colorado, and Ogden, Utah. Washington is home to peaks like Mt. Baker, the Ski area that receives the highest average annual snowfall of any resort in the world. Mt. Baker also received 1,140 inches of snowfall during the 1998–99 season, the world’s greatest record in one single season. So, with all these wonders, what’s stopping you from spending your winters in Washington State? Join us, and learn about the “Best and Most Popular Ski Resorts in Washington State”. It will help you choose the best from a lot.

6 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Washington State

Have a look:

1. The Crystal Mountain Resort

The biggest Ski area in the entire Washington State, Crystal Mountain Resort is a wonderland for winter adventures. The resort is a two-hour drive southeast of Seattle and is located among the Cascade Range, in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. The resort is home to 2,600 acres of Skiable area, 80 runs of which 57 are designated trails. The longest run amongst them is 2.5 miles, ideal for intermediate to advanced hikers. The Skiing ground also provides a lift system with 10 chairs, 1 magic carpet, and 1 gondola. Lift Capacity is 19,888 per hour, and thus even when the resort is super crowded, it still caters to all of its guests. Crystal Mountain Resort also facilitates night skiing on the Discovery, Gold Hills, and Quicksilver chairlifts up to 6/9 pm, depending upon the time of the year.

2. Mt. Baker Ski Area

Mt. Baker Ski Area is the best and top-rated Ski Resort in Washington State. It receives one of the highest amounts of snowfall in the entire world, making skiing and snowboarding an extended and long-lasting affair. The Ski area is just an hour east of Bellingham, a two-and-a-half-hour drive out of Seattle, and a short drive away from the Canadian border. Mt. Baker is home to 1000 acres of skiable terrain, 31 runs, 2 rope tows, and 8 chairs. Its ski area is sandwiched between the peaks of Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker. This Ski area receives more snowfall than any other ski resort, almost every day of the season, having the highest powdery days. However, regardless of the weather and terrain, it serves both beginner and experienced hikers. The best time to visit Mt. Baker is during the winter weekends since it hosts numerous social gatherings.

3. 49° North Mountain Resort

The 49 Degrees North Ski Area has been operating since 1972, serving both locals and visitors. It has 2,325 acres of Skiable terrain, and 82 runs divided into easiest, more difficult, most difficult, and expert trail categories. Besides that, its Chair life system has 4 double, 2 quads, and 6 chairs. All of these can transport 6,600 individuals per hour, making even the overcrowded region convenient for every single guest. Even though 49 Degree is ideal for skiers of all skill levels, most of the trails here test your skills against some of the trickiest runs. That is why this ski area is recommended for advanced skiers who are interested in adventure in black diamond runs. The resort offer day passes along with separate weekend passes. Since weekends here host numerous fun events, including Saturday Night Skiing and, Live Music, Hawaiian Daze, it is definitely the best time to plan your visit. 49° North Mountain Resort is just 60 miles north of Spokane and 6 hours from Seattle.

4. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

The Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park are another top-rated Ski Resort in Washington State. The Park is entirely encompassed by Mt. Spokane State Park and features 1,425 acres. Besides that, there are 45 runs and 6 chairs that can facilitate 4920 individuals per hour. Mt. Spokane receives an average of 300 inches of snowfall a year, making it a popular ski resort in Western Washington. However, it’s not the quantity, but the quality of snow Mt. Spokane is popular for. The Ski Park also offers night skiing Wednesday through Saturday from the months between December through March. Besides that, it also has a Children’s Choice Tubing Hill that operates for facilitating the little ones during winter weekends. However, Mt. Spokane Ski Park stays a little crowded, and you might need to wait in a queue before getting your chance. To avoid this, consider reaching early.

5. The Summit at Snoqualmie

The Summit at Snoqualmie is a popular U.S Winterland and the Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Washington State. It is 52 miles from downtown Seattle, accessible via the Interstate 90 route. The Summit is home to 4 bases, 1,914 acres of skiable terrain, and 62 ski runs. The four bases include Summit East, West, Central, and Alpental. All of these are served by 38 chairs, making it easy for skiers and fresh visitors. The best and most ideal for beginners is Summit West which also operates a learning center. In contrast, the Alpental is home to advanced and backcountry terrain and some of Washington’s steepest runs. The best feature here is the Nordic ski trails that run 31 miles out from the resort, making it one of the largest networks in the State. The Snoqualmie is also popular for facilitating the best night Ski adventure in the entire State and even one of the best in the United States as well.

6. Stevens Pass Resort

The Best Ski resort in Washington, the Stevens Pass Resort is a wonderland of all that this region offers. The resort is located in the Cascade Mountain range of Washington, with a base elevation of 4,061 feet and a peak of 5,845 feet. It covers 1,125 acres of Skiable terrain along with 37 runs ideally planned for skiers of all skills and comfort levels. Besides that, it has 1 terrain park and 10 chairs that can transport 15,763 per hour, making operations quite quick and convenient here. Stevens Pass offers alpine skiing opportunities on both its front and backside. The former is a beginner and intermediate-friendly space, whereas the latter is more advance, thus facilitating intermediate and advanced level skiers. Besides skiing, the resort also has splendid night skiing and a wide variety of dining options. And for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Stevens Pass Nordic Center makes up a popular spot.